Emma Coyle, of Hondo, recently went to state representing our area region VIII in the Jr High Rodeo. She ended up 18th out of 103 girls in the pole bending her first year competing. The state finals were held in Gonzalez, TX and ended this past May-June.
She ran 21.6 in round 1 and 2. She ended up 3rd out of the top 15, keeping her from making it back to the short-go.
“Her Grandpa Dan Long he is the one who taught her how to ride and mentor her through the years. She started riding when she was 10; she was so timid and only liked to walk. Then by year two she was a completely different rider. During the summer break she would stay Grandpa and Grandma Dawn’s house, and ride all summer with her grandpa. Some days she would ride twice a day because she loved it so much. She would go down to the barn 3 to 4 times a day just to brush her horse.
“The horse that she learned on was given to her by her grandpa. Her name is Sissy. Sissy and her have an incredible bond. She went to state in Pole Bending and Goat tying on Sissy. This was her first year competing in Jr High Rodeo! She comes from a big rodeo family starting from her grandparents down to her mom, aunts and uncles! Emma is 13 and her horse Sissy is 21!
She is the Daughter of Derek and Ashley Coyle. Grandparents are Dan and Dawn Long of Devine; Doug and Renie Coyle of Hondo; David and Belinda DuBose of Devine.
Her family is so proud of her and says “Always remember to keep doing what makes you happy!”